1

Your dates for NYC will "break the bank" for accommodation... if available...I suggest you remain in Chicago for Christmas & head for New Orleans or Miami for New Year celebrations. carracar

2

Yep, I realise NYC is incredibly expensive around that time but that's already booked and budgeted for.. soo I guess that's probably the main reason the rest of the trip will be on a budget.. indulge a little in NYC and then don't indulge so much for the rest of the trip.. if that makes sense haha! Thanks for your advice though

3

You interests definitely push you toward xPhiladelphia and DC.
You could spend about 2-3 days in xPhilly, 3-4 in DC, maybe 1-2 in xBaltimore. All ofthese can be easily visited by transit (from trains and planes to very cheap buses).

Or, if you're willing to rent a car, you could take a day trip out to xHarpers Ferry, xFredericksburg, any of the nearby Civil War Battlefields (Manassas, Antietam, xGettysburg are the top picks), or even xCharlottesville (which you'd proably love).

Be aware that DC is known for expensive lodging as well.
See FAQ 268.

4

Great ideas thanks! I'll check them all out.

This may be a bit of a silly question and I'll do my own research but what is the driving weather like at that time? We're both from Brisbane, Australia so never have to drive in snowy conditions. There's also having to drive on the wrong.. I mean other side of the road too ;)

5

It sounds like your friend is flying left right up and down, then left again then up and then right (back home). His trip is going to be expensive no matter what.

As for you, Christmas week in NY then 2nd of January to 11th or 12th of January, so around 10 days of flexible brings to mind a couple of ideas.

Personally I'd get a car and drive south from there. There are a number of nice stops along the way. Depending on your interests these could be Delaware Water Gap, Washington's Crossing, casinos, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Amish Country etc., but I'd consider Baltimore/DC, to be the first major stop.

After that who knows, basically your friend is heading toward Miami so, plan accordingly.

Edited by: LongIslandBob

6

The weather at that time of year can be cool and sunny to cold and snowy, and everything in between (I hate the cold rains most). It can even be warm and sunny.
We can't tell you which you'll see for sure, though the experts are predicting a cold winter.

If you want to rent a car, and you are planning to visit DC, rent the car after visiting DC. xNYC rental rates are high, and you won't need a car in DC anyway.

7

I'm a fan of Philly, but I'd allocate two days max and one night for Philly. I'm a colonial history and art buff, but there's just not 3 full days of sightseeing there. Baltimore would be fine for a day, and DC's a gem.

The NYC - Philly - Baltimore - DC itinerary is practical, but not stunning. DC is great, and worth a bit of your time, Philly can make a nice break in the journey, and Baltimore is skipable.

I would head further south. From DC, you can go to Charlottesville, a nice college town close to important historical sites. Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The University of Virginia, Jefferson's brainchild, is worth a visit. You might need a car in Charlottesville, which might be a challenge.

You could also consider taking one of the long distance Amtrak trains down to Charleston and or Savannah. Each city has a hostel with private rooms (Notso Hostel and Savannah Pensione). You'd need to get cab to get into each city from the train station, but you can walk once you're there.

If you decide to travel by train, book your tickets early on Amtrak.com, since you find the lowest rates that way. I find train travel in the US surprisingly affordable. You do need to plan around the limited train schedules, but the trip is an experience, which I think makes it worth it.

8

Soooo, I'm sitting here in Philly and I'll tell you that it's cold and grey in the winter, and everyone is miserable. I highly recommend taking a train down to Charleston, SC. Most amazing city in America I'd say :o)

I worry that your trip will have you only seeing the northeast, and going into the south would be a swell change of pace. Atlantic City SUCKS in the winter, don't even think about it.

DC might be okay if you want to get some US history and all that.

It didn't snow last year so I reckon that means it will dump snow this year? Or maybe snow not at all. I think you being on the wrong side of the road in a blizzard might be a bit of adventure...?

Two words for you MEGA BUS. If you are on a budget it doesn't get much better than that. Have fun!